Loyal Metals Unleashes Advanced Geophysics to Unlock Highway Reward’s Hidden Riches

A New Chapter in Exploration at Highway Reward

Loyal Metals Ltd (ASX, LLM) has embarked on an ambitious and technologically sophisticated exploration campaign at its Highway Reward Copper-Gold Mine in Queensland. This initiative marks a significant step forward in unlocking the potential of one of Australia’s premier volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) systems, which has seen limited modern exploration for over two decades.

The company’s program deploys a multi-technology suite of ground-based geophysical surveys, including 3D induced polarisation (IP), magnetotellurics (MT), and gravity measurements. Complementing these are drone-based LiDAR and magnetic surveys designed to provide high-resolution surface and subsurface data. This comprehensive approach aims to map mineralisation more precisely and identify new targets beyond the historically mined zones.

Building on Recent Drilling Success

The timing of this geophysical campaign follows a promising breakthrough, the first drill hole in over 20 years intersected a near-surface zone containing zinc, copper, and gold minerals. This discovery underscores the untapped potential still present within and around the historic workings. Loyal Metals’ Managing Director, Adam Ritchie, emphasised that the initial success justifies expanding geophysical coverage both at depth and along strike, leveraging modern techniques to sharpen targeting for the next drilling phase.

With $8.2 million in funding, Loyal Metals is well-positioned to apply these advanced exploration methods. The integration of diverse geophysical data sets will be processed through VRIFY’s AI-enhanced DORA platform, which uses machine learning to analyze complex geological information and generate high-impact drill targets. This data-driven approach is expected to enhance the efficiency and success rate of exploration efforts heading into 2026.

Unlocking the Subsurface with Advanced Technology

The choice to replace previously planned airborne magnetotellurics with ground-based surveys reflects a strategic decision to ensure data consistency and alignment across all geophysical sources. Ground-based 3D IP surveys will map chargeability and resistivity to highlight sulphide-rich zones, while MT surveys will image deep geological structures that could host concealed VHMS deposits. Gravity surveys will detect density contrasts indicative of massive sulphide bodies and structural controls, and drone-based LiDAR and magnetics will provide detailed surface anomaly detection.

This integrated geophysical campaign promises a detailed three-dimensional understanding of the subsurface geology, which is critical for identifying new mineralisation zones in a historically underexplored region. The comprehensive data collection and AI-driven analysis represent a modern exploration paradigm that could significantly enhance the discovery potential at Highway Reward.

Looking Ahead

As the geophysical surveys progress through December, the mining and investment community will be watching closely for the results of data integration and interpretation scheduled for early 2026. The outcomes will not only guide the next drilling campaign but could also reshape the valuation and future prospects of Loyal Metals by expanding the known resource base.